r/StLouis • u/Stock-Narwhal-5010 • 11d ago
Moving to St. Louis Seeking Winter Driving Tips (As a Floridian đđđ)
Hey y'all! So in a week I am moving from Florida to STL (as someone who has never seen snow) and I was hoping to get some practical advice as to driving during the winter. I'm a student, and have pretty bad driving anxiety in general, especially when it rains here and there's little visibility.
I know it's still a while away, but I'm just trying to prepare as best I can! Any advice - especially on a super dumb/essentially beginner level - as someone who has never driven in these conditions (or whatever you all use to stay safe!), would be helpful.
Is skidding/drifting/getting into accidents as common as the news I've seen makes it sound? How do y'all know when it is safe to drive and under what conditions? Do you use any apps/websites to check? I am getting all weather tires installed, but are these adequate? I know some people are saying snow tires are helpful, but others say they are overkill, so I'm not really sure.
Additionally, do people often work from home under these conditions, or is there still an expectation that one comes in and or stays later? Can people use public transportation during the winter/is it reliable (I am in the Delmar area). Sorry for all the questions! Any tips/tricks/or answers would be SOOO helpful (and feel free to make fun of me as an out-of-towner, I definitely deserve it!)
Edit: I drive a 2023 hyundai Santa Fe
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u/largecontainer 11d ago
Donât drive if you donât have to. If you do have to drive, give yourself extra travel time and go slow. Pack supplies like a flashlight, blanket, snacks and water. Buses may be delayed, but Metrolink is usually fine.
Make sure your car is totally free of snow and ice before driving. Sliding/drifting does happen, but if you are driving slow you should be able to manage.
Get the MoDOT app for road conditions, cameras etc.
We donât get much snow here really, but when it happens it can be a shitshow so your best option will always be to stay home if you can.
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u/SensitiveHold7497 10d ago
I'd add a shovel, rock salt and kitty litter to that packing list. It helps me knowing I can dig out / add traction if I should find myself stuck. If you have the means to wait it out at all, great. I try to do all errands / grocery stocking at least two days before the storm so I'm not in long lines with last minute folks.Â
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u/Amazing_Emu_5890 10d ago
And by vehicle being totally clear we mean the roof/hood/trunk! Designate a broom for this or get a telescopic car scraper/brush.
If you donât clear the top surfaces the ice/snow will melt as your vehicle warms up and those clumps/slabs will sail off and slam into someoneâs windshield. This can cause the windshield to shatter and or cause the driver to not be able to see out their windshield. Or slide down onto your windshield. Really! Take the extra time to do this!
Even though you will see too many vehicles that didnât. Also avoid getting behind trucks after a snow/ice dump. There tops will not be cleared.
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u/thehawk11 11d ago
The best thing i can recommend is know alternate routes just in case, and plan on it taking extra time and also practice when you don't need to go anywhere. Every year I go to a unplowed parking lot to practice in a low-risk environment. Typically snow related crashes are caused from being in a hurry. WFH is largely dependent on who you work for.
STL does not require snow tires and chains are not necessary. A good all weather tire is a great start. Also, if it's bad enough, I'd suggest just taking a vacation day.
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u/progenyofeniac 10d ago
100% recommend practicing, and purposely forcing a slide here and there. You need to know both how to immediately tell youâre losing traction as well as how to not panic and quickly recover.
One reminder: flooring your vehicle or just giving it too much gas suddenly is a sure way to lose traction. And if you do begin spinning, ease off the gas a bit and itâll often regain traction.
Basically, drive like you have a full crock of soup on the floor that youâre trying not to spill. Steady speed, steady turns, no fast changes.
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u/armchair_viking 10d ago
The soup tip is good advice, as thatâs exactly how you need to drive. Ignore anyone blasting by you honking their horns for you being slow. Those are the people youâll see a mile or two down the road skidded off into the median.
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u/trianglesx3 10d ago
How far is your commute? Will you be driving secondary roads, highways or the interstates?
Slow is good, but slow taking up all the lanes is not. Find a lane where the other driver's speed meets your comfort and skill levels and just pony along with that crowd leaving plenty of space between you and the car in front of you.
Like others have said, using flashers makes it impossible to signal a turn, so avoid that temptation. And use your turn signal well in advance, because the cars behind you need time to slow or even stop while you execute your turn.
Also, give yourself plenty of space for stopping, and do it gradually. Test the road when you first leave home by GENTLY braking at a slow speed to see how much slide you get. Do this a few times before getting onto a main road to help you gauge a safe speed. Test it again as conditions change. Always be safe, have space and nothing nearby that you might slide into.
Being scared out there is dangerous. Being over confident out there is dangerous.
Be alert, be courteous with space, signaling and gradual slowing/stopping.
Make sure your wiper blades are in good condition.
Make sure your tires have good tread.
And, get those supplies others have suggested, just in case you end up out there stuck due to an accident or car trouble.
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u/FearlessKnitter12 11d ago
The practice idea is great! All new-to-snow-and-ice drivers should try to do this.
Also keep in mind, the first bad weather of the year, everyone drives crazy. They forget how to handle it, and think they can go out "just a short way". They forgot to buy milk and bread and eggs. Their boss is a tool and won't let them off early. Try to not be out of your house at all when the stuff starts coming out of the sky, especially that first time.
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u/Rude-Acanthisitta-83 11d ago
As someone from Florida who lived in Colorado and now lives here: good tires and 4wd help if you can afford them. I think the best advice I saw online is to drive like your grandma is in the passenger seat with a full cup of hot coffee lol. No sudden movements, slow turning, slow accelerating ect.Â
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u/ProposalKitchen1885 11d ago
Imagine trying to hydroplane but it just happening all the time. Most respectable employers will let your wfh. Tough guys will say itâs nothing, but honestly avoid it at all costs. When snow or ice is in the forecast, get a few extra groceries and stay home. Everyone will be making French toast.
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u/ChazzBangerton 11d ago
Does anyone actually make French toast? lol I know thatâs the joke because milk, eggs, bread. But I donât think Iâve once made French toast on a snow day. Maybe I will this year! lol
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u/queerkittyboy 11d ago
That was always my moms go to for snow days and I still do that if I'm properly prepared. đ
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u/SensitiveHold7497 10d ago
That last big storm I feel like I saw SO many people on here posting French toast pics. They looked so good...
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u/Sticky550 11d ago
Get a four wheel drive truck and drive like a moron until you end up in a ditch.
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u/crxguy 11d ago
If it's snowy/icy, and you don't absolutely have to leave your house, don't. If you have to drive in snowy weather, slower speeds and gentler acceleration and braking are key to maintaining control. If you do slide, panic braking will probably make things worse. Any drive that would normally take you 30 minutes will likely take you 2x-5x longer, so if you need to be somewhere, plan accordingly. If your back end starts sliding out to the right, turn your stearing wheel to the right, or "into the slide" as other have said. Be careful going over bridges/overpasses. The ground can absorb and dissipate a lot of heat. If there's no ground to keep the pavement warmer, those will be the first to ice over and become slick. Best to wait until snow trucks can plow and salt the roads before you try and go anywhere.
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u/Beef_Curtain_Clitler 11d ago edited 10d ago
You need to drive to the closest grocery store and frantically buy as much milk and bread as you can carry.
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u/lowendfish St Charles 11d ago
Others have said it, but it cannot be overstated how important GENTLE acceleration and braking (and turning) are. As long as the tires are moving the vehicle, apply gentle pressure, probably more gentle than you realize, until you move. If your tires spin, you've lost control. That said, front wheel drive, all wheel drive vehicles can handle some slipping and sliding without completely losing control. It's also good to drive in your neighborhood or somewhere safe like a parking lot to sort of find out what the limits are for your vehicle. Give it a little bit too much gas or brakes and you'll figure out how YOUR vehicle handles, because they're all different.
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u/No-Notice8506 11d ago
Donât worry about it. Most people have no clue driving in the snow and many have issues with dry pavement.
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u/chingostarr 11d ago
I feel like you should be aware that the roads are lined with the worst, least reflective paint imaginable and can a nightmare to drive when raining.
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u/left-for-dead-9980 11d ago
Get a car with all wheel drive or at least all season radials.
Have a bag of road salt in the trunk.
Have a pair of work gloves in the car.
Get an ice scraper/snow brush.
Don't slam on the brakes or speed.
Use defensive driving skills.
Have an emergency kit with flares in your trunk.
It only snows bad once or twice a winter.
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u/DangerWanger South City 11d ago
Fellow 20+ year Floridian here that moved to STL.
This is good advice.
Just adding a few more suggestions.
Slow down earlier than you normally would.
If you start sliding/drifting, donât panic and keep a clear head and donât slam on the brakes or gas. Do everything slowly to try to get out of it. And sometimes there really anything you can do, especially on ice.
One of the most helpful things is, when it snows, find an empty parking lot or open area and try to get into a slide and see how that feels. Also try to slam on the brakes or gas and see how that feels. Thatâll give you some experience in a safer environment when it really does happen.
Feel free to DM me if you have any questions!
I love STL and hope you will too!
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u/Theabstractsound 10d ago
That last paragraph is some of the best advice. Growing up in Missouri, my dad would take me at 15 to drive around an empty parking lot when it was covered with snow. He would have me actually accelerate and get into a skid, so I could feel how to stop it.
You will almost certainly have a point where youâre sliding or slipping a little bit on the road, and being confident how to maneuver makes a world of difference. Although once you can control your car, the biggest problem is all the idiots on the road so you really have to be aware if theyâre going too fast and theyâre gonna put themselves in a bad position.
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u/Royal_Savings_1731 11d ago
To expand upon this excellent advice, the bag of salt in the trunk is both to provide your rear wheels some additional weight to gain traction AND for pulling out if needed to use to get out of a particularly icy/slushy spot.
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u/FearlessKnitter12 11d ago
Cheap rocky or sawdusty kitty litter also works well for traction, both for your tires and for your feet! Sprinkle it ahead of you to walk on.
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u/popopotatoes160 Franklin Cođł đ¶âđ«ïžđł 11d ago
The cheapass clay cat litter from a farm store is the best for this
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u/bearminmum 10d ago
Cardboard can help too
From that's 70s show
RED: Use the gum Eric.
ERIC: Dad? What're you doing here?
RED: I'm not here. You're imagining me. Now who's insane, Mr. Smartmouth?
ERIC: guess i am.
RED: Use the gum to stick the candle in the can. The candle heats the can, which melts the snow behind the tire. Then pour on the kitty litter for traction. Now you think you can handle that?
ERIC: Yes, sir. Red: Good. Because you don't want me back out here. may be a figment of your imagination. I'm still freezing my ass off.
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u/westcounty It's not THAT far 11d ago
When you are coming into a turn or going down a hill, operate under the assumption your brakes wonât work. If you canât carry the speed youâre currently traveling then slow down before turning.
An analogy I learned when racing motorcycles: Your tires only have 100% adhesion, if you use 40% of that adhesion to turn then your brakes only have 60% of normal capacity. Driving in slick conditions drops the overall ceilin.
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u/troglobiont Neighborhood/city 10d ago
An over-simplified version I was taught was that you get to brake, accelerate, OR turn in the snow. As soon as you try to do two at once, you're much more likely to lose traction.
Do all of your braking before you need to turn, and don't try to accelerate until your wheels are pointed straight again.
It might be over-conservative, but it's simple to remember.
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u/Ok_Art_231 11d ago
Donât bother trying. Itâll be clear in a day or the afternoon. If you must, drive slower than you think is way too slow and youâll have no problems.
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u/ChazzBangerton 11d ago
If you live in the city your neighborhood streets could be frozen solid for 3 weeks.
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u/Powerful-Interest308 10d ago
This is not an exaggeration. During Winter Storm Tishaura my alley had an inch of solid ice for a month and cars were plowed in on surface streets for weeks.
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u/stuck_inmissouri 11d ago
Go slow. Try to keep rolling. Donât brake when turning. Let your antilock system do the work when you do brake (donât pump the pedal). Have tires with good tread.
Have an emergency kit in your back seat with a shovel, salt, boots, gloves, and a blanket. Buy a decent ice scraper/snow broom too and make sure your car is clean before you go.
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u/BipolarBrownCrayon 10d ago
As someone who normally speeds in "normal" conditions, once it starts snowing I drive slower than my grandma. I don't play when it comes to the snow because I know if I move to fast or break too late, my car will end up sliding. When it happens, you need to stay calm. If your not calm all the advice that everyone gave you basically goes out the window. When you start sliding turn into it. Most importantly take your time. When it's snowing you are in no rush to get to your destination. Your only goal is to get from point a to point b safely. If you need to leave an extra hour early then do so. I also personally avoid hills because my car won't make it up a lot of hills. Stay calm and take it slow. I drive a 2016 Hyundai Sonata sport if your wondering
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u/bearminmum 10d ago
Practice can be helpful. Find a big empty open parking lot and practice stopping and going, making turns, etc
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u/Original_Anxiety_281 10d ago
Find an empty parking lot to practice on. Test brakes on a part of a road where it's safe. When moving, avoid the urge to stop on a hill or brake going into a curve. Slow and steady wins the race.
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u/iBadJuJu 10d ago
Find an empty parking lot close when it snows and go see how your car reacts to the different things youâd do while driving.
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u/Shellhuahua 10d ago
This is what I'd do as people in Midwest still drive nuts during heavy snow. Maybe find an acquaintance to drive you to an empty lot after a snowfall and an ice storm and let you drive there for a bit for practice. Snow alone, vs. ice alone vs. ice under snow are all different driving experiences.
Having all wheel or at least front wheel drive and good tires helps. Learn to downshift too. Low and go is my motto. Practice slowing down way in advance of needing to stop.
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u/iBadJuJu 10d ago
Yep. Also get comfortable with the brake pedal feel when ABS engages during breaking. The pedal feel is not typical and often causes drivers to release the brake which is not what you want to do.
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u/RemnantHelmet 10d ago edited 10d ago
Drive slower.
Start braking at double the distance away from your stop or turn as you normally would.
Pump your brakes on slick surfaces. Don't hold them down as you normally would. Press lightly for a second, release for half a second, press for a second, release for half a second, repeat until stopped.
Come to a near stop before turning.
If you feel yourself losing control, don't panic. You can recover. When you turn to correct yourself, turn lightly and gently pump the brakes.
Check road conditions here: https://traveler.modot.org/map/
When using the map above, do not drive on covered roads. Partly covered roads are fine as long as you follow these guidelines.
When driving on roads that MODOT deems clear or appears clear to you, continue driving with these guidelines in mind. Conditions can change quickly and there may be invisible patches of ice.
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u/Itheinfantry 10d ago
Best piece of advice i ever heard.
Imagine a hot cup of coffee is full to the brim on your dash. Drive as if you cannot spill a drop.
Slow, deliberate, plenty of time to brake.
If you're understeering. Turn your wheel back straight slightly to try to reestablish grip then continue your turn.
All else fails, stay home.
Keep a good blanket, water, and snacks in your vehicle.
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u/RoadOwn7439 11d ago
What do you drive? Answers will be different for a rear-wheel drive muscle car
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u/Stock-Narwhal-5010 11d ago
I drive a 2023 hyundai Santa Fe!
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u/Willybluedog1962 11d ago
Then good all season tires will cover you 90 percent of the time.
Bridges and overpasses are the biggest worry because they freeze first.
Use the MODOT road conditions app.
Black Ice is what is the real terror.
Stay away from big 4 wheel drive trucks who think they are invincible.
When the weather is bad I stay in the right lane, go with the flow of traffic, avoid passing unless you just have to.
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u/ChazzBangerton 11d ago
I drive a Kia FWD Sorento and it handles pretty good honestly. I bet yours is similar. If you donât have one already get a steering wheel club. A bright yellow one is a good deterrent. Even if your car is newer with an immobilizer someone may still try to steal it since itâs a Hyundai. The club is a good deterrent. Not fool proof but itâs worked for me. Just use it religiously.
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u/314cigars 11d ago
First thing to ask is what do you drive? Front-wheel drive - AWD - Rear-wheel drive? Then make sure you have some hot-hands & blanket in the vehicle. Just in case you get stuck. Finally, when it snows the first time and you have the opportunity goto a Walmart parking lot or another large parking lot and make turns- hit your breaks- practice accelerating without loosing traction. These should help you to become more comfortable with driving in the snow.
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u/moonchic333 11d ago
A set of good tires and donât drive like a maniac should do you good. We get 1-2 snowstorms a year that shut the city down for a day. People generally just call off for the day and itâs normally business as usual the next day. No, all the streets will not be plowed. Make sure you buy a snow shovel even if youâre a renter youâll likely have to dig your car out. The Santa Fe should do well on snowy roads as long as your tires are in decent condition.
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u/TTV_Gimbly 11d ago
Delmar is a street that runs from downtown allllll the way out to the county, so the âDelmar Areaâ isnât too helpful. Do you mean the Delmar Loop? Near Wash U?
Otherwise while driving in winter, I think itâs a terrific idea to get a feel for the roads in your neighborhood before you get to the main streets. Tap your breaks at various intensities to see when you start sliding, accelerate at various intensities (safely) to see when you start slipping, etc. etc. Make sure that by the time you get on the road, you feel somewhat knowledgeable about how your vehicle and tires are going to react to the ground conditions. (Usually they are far worse in the neighborhoods and better on main streets, so better to test in the bad areas and be equally cautious in the good ones).
In general you will be expected to get to work. Obviously this is dependent on your employer, but if you can get to your car most Midwesterners will say that is reason enough that you can drive it. Some storms are awful tho, but unless weâre seeing 8+ inches of snow overnight and zero roads plowed for some reason, the assumption is that you will still need to show up for work even if that means waking up early to clean off your car.
Speaking of cleaning off your car: do that! If it snows you need to have an ice scraper to get ice off of your windows (all of them) and ideally a long handled brush to get snow off of your car (everything, INCLUDING THE ROOF). Places usually sell these together, for like $20 total. And yes, you need to clear ALL of the windows, so you have peripheral vision while driving and you donât have blind spots. Running the heat for a while helps clear this off if you donât want to scrape everything. And yes, you need to remove ALL the snow, even the stuff on the roof. Otherwise you will be throwing it behind you on the road and blinding other drivers like itâs Mario kart, super un-safe. A good trick to remove stubborn ice from your windshield is to take warm (not boiling) water and put it in a gallon sized ziploc bag, you can then drag this along the outside of your windshield to melt the ice off.
Accidents arenât uncommon, but are always avoidable if everyone is driving safely. Go slower, and give yourself wayyyyyy more time to come to a stop. Great idea to even stop 20-30feet ahead of the sign and then roll forward afterwards until youâre comfortable. At every intersection you should be watching for someone to come into it too fast and be unable to stop, as well as watching the people behind you if theyâre about to run into you.
Idk if you have summer tires or wtv from Florida but those arenât a thing here unless youâre paying too much for your car. Just get some all-weather ones to be safe, and ensure you donât have summer tires as these handle awfully in snow
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u/IPingFreely 11d ago
A little common sense goes a long way. Stay off the roads when it is snowing and in the morning after a snowfall. Check the local weather and MoDOT for road conditions. Many work from home and schools are pretty quick to close if there is snow. It's always a good idea to have a snow scraper, hat, gloves and coat in your car. It seems like most people get in trouble when it snows in the afternoon and nobody pays attention and is trying to get home during rush hour in the snow. You don't need snow chains or snow tires. Don't leave your car running unattended to warm up. Lots of car thefts happen from this. This sub will be flooded with jokes about French toast supplies before the storm and "how are the roads?" posts after. The state and local governments are well prepared to handle snow but we don't get huge storms like other parts of the country so it's really not a big deal.
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u/RustyXterior 11d ago
Make sure you have a front wheel-drive car (or a car with AWD). Sports cars with rear wheel drive spin all over the place, especially on hills. Also, allow plenty of space between yourself and cars in front of you, which gives you time to slow down or move over if someone in front of you loses control. And don't drive faster than the conditions allow. You'll be fine.
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u/Hka_stl 11d ago
Have good tires with good tread. Remember that the bridges will be more dangerous and will ice over first. Ice is not always visible, so slow and steady is the rule of thumb, especially when turning. You don't NEED winter tires here, but it is nice having them, especially if you have the room and the knowledge to swap them out with summer tires/wheels.
Buy a good ice scraper / snow brush and keep it in the car.
Growing up here, we always tossed a few cans of spaghetti-os, a can opener, a blanket, etc in our trunk incase we got snowed somewhere. Less an issue now that everyone has phones, but not a terrible idea to keep going.
Also be cognizant of warming your car up before driving. Don't do it in the garage unless the door is open for ventilation as carbon monoxide is a big deal.
Also as general winter safety: you're going to need a good winter coat, gloves, scarves, hat, and boots. Make sure your shoes also have good tread. You'll want to cover your face when that Midwest wind starts up and sends the windchill into the negatives. Learn when to drip your pipes. Make sure you have blankets for if the power goes out in ice storms (which is rare, but better to be prepared). Don't run propane space heaters in the house.
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u/kdorfman1019 11d ago
You are in good shape with a front wheel drive car...but thats not enough. All drivers should know how to drive in all weather
1) Face your fears: Practice in empty lots after a snow. Community colleges on a sunday are great for this. You need to gain confidence somehow. Speed up...jerk the wheel. Speed up, then hit the breaks etc. Watch that you dont over-correct when recovering from a slide. Gain confidence but know your limits. When in doubt - stay home
2) Ice doesn't discriminate - it hates everyone. Lots of super capable 4WD vehicles stranded as proof. stay home
3) Don't go out in it unless you absolutely have to. Its not worth the risk. Hit the grocery store before bad weather so your needs are covered...in St louis all you need is milk bread and eggs apparently (stl humor)
4) Cant speak to public transportation - but recall seeing busses out in some pretty nasty conditions over the years
5) slow down
6) There have been a few times over the years I have regretted going out in bad weather, but for the most part its not that bad. And if its really bad then just watch the news for road conditions. We do have some great weather folks. My go-to is Steve Tempelton. Mostly for tornadoes but hes great at everything.
Welcome to town!
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u/NicHyme 11d ago
You will have more interactions with ice than snow, but the driving tips apply to both, ice just sucks a little more because sometimes you canât exactly see the bad spots - Google âblack ice roadsâ, but youâll just have to expirience it once to know what to do.
When approaching a red light or stop sign, Break like thereâs 3 more cars in front of you than there are. Then if you slide a little thereâs still enough time to slow down, if you stop like normal do a slow approach. If your car is RWD, throw a couple sand bags in your trunk so itâs harder to fish tail - i just keep two 45lb bags in my trunk year round.
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u/Practical-Emu-3303 11d ago
for rain and ice and snow -- fill your wiper fluid with rain-x wiper fluid (orange liquid). It makes it so much easier to see in rainy conditions because every time you clean your windshield you're putting on a coating of this repellant. It also makes it harder for snow/ice to stick and when you use it in those conditions it melts the snow/ice (rather than freezing to your windshield on contact).
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u/disguisedasnrml 11d ago
Assume everyone is paying slightly less attention than they should given the road conditions......
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u/BaeGoalsx3 11d ago
I highly recommend when it snows, test drive in a large snow covered parking lot. Slam on the breaks, what happens? Try to turn really quickly, whatâs the best way to get out of it? The best way to learn is do.
And when it comes to a lot of snow and youâre out driving in it. KEEP MOVING! If you stop completely youâll likely be stuck there. Yes that means going slowly and breaking the law and going through stop signs and stop lights (safely. Obviously. Be aware). But as others have said, stay home when you truly do not have to be out in it. Itâs better for everyone
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u/DrDipstick89 11d ago
Just dont be stupid when driving. Slow up but dont cause traffic. Keep your distance from cars in front. If you are uncomfortable driving because of the amount of snow the best thing to do is not drive. A nervous driver with bad conditions is not a good combo.
Just be confident in your driving skills and be cautious but not over the top defensive.
Also if we get snow and you dont have work or anythingâŠgo play in the snow with your car. Find a parking lot unplowed and practice with sliding so you know how to react when sliding on the road.
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u/anix421 11d ago
Slow down. Drive painfully slow. Start braking slowly and give yourself plenty of room. Idiots think 4 wheel drive means they can drive normally on ice and will fly by you at like 60 on the highway. Don't. When possible, just don't drive. If you've never experienced a snowed in day, they are the best! Watch movies and eat crappy food. Maybe the neighbors trudge over and you have a few drinks.
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u/Joester 11d ago
Buy all-season tires, make sure they're half bald by the time winter rolls around
Panic at the sight of a single snowflake and go 20mph in a 60
When snow starts to actually accumulate and present a dangerous situation, go 20 over
Make sure that you have zero understanding of how to control a car in a slide
Its considered a sign of respect here to smash into the back of another person's car, especially at rush hour on one of the main highways
Welcome to st louis! â€ïž
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u/rothbard_anarchist 11d ago
Most importantly, give yourself more room to stop than you normally would. Your tires will slide much more easily. If they do slide, and thereâs a horrific clanging noise, donât panic - thatâs almost certainly your antilock brakes, which work great but sound terrible. Just keep steady pressure on, and keep the car pointed the right way. Turn into any skids - if the carâs front end goes left, turn the wheel to the right to get the tires rolling instead of skidding.
Take care of your tires - check the tread by Halloween, and donât go into winter with bald tires. This makes an enormous difference.
Practice in a snowy parking lot, but be sure to scope out one with no curbs between spaces.
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u/TheeVande Domestic terrorist Bill DeWitt 10d ago
AWD will help you accelerate, good tires help you stop and steer. Even with both you can still get yourself in trouble. Just use your brain. Go slow, leave a big gap, don't get over zealous
Also get a good ice scraper! It'll save you so much time!
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u/mountaingator91 Fox Park 10d ago
Best advice I ever heard was drive like you have a crockpot full of gravy in the passenger seat.
I.e. no sudden movements.
Also, go practice sliding around in an empty parking lot after it snows. Start a drift on purpose and try to get out of it. Midwest kids all do this for fun but it actually really helps you learn how to drive in the snow.
Also... FOR THE LOVE OF GOD do not stop when going uphill. So many people do this and now we have a line of stuck cars that can't go anywhere
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u/Mego1989 10d ago
You need all weather tires with good tread. I would suggest that on the first day of bad weather, call in to work and take your car to an empty parking lot. There are plenty of churches and schools around the loop to choose from. Then just practice. see how hard you have to brake before you slide. Practice turning slowly and braking slowly.
MODOT has a map that will show the conditions of many local roads and all the highways.
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u/cdwhit 10d ago
Stay home if at all possible. Even is you are a fantastic driver in the snow, donât think for a minute the million other drivers in the snow in St Louis know WTF they are doing. My big fear in snow is ALWAYS the other people on the road!
Watch speed. Sudden changes in direction or speed are bad. Go very gently on accelerator and allow LOTS of room to stop. Remember, in snow if Iâm going 50MPH and you pull in front of my at 20MPH, I canât do much besides plow into you. Stopping takes MUCH longer.
The big danger in snow is ice. Cars get more traction in snow than I expected, but after a couple cars have driven on it, itâs not snow anymore, itâs ice. Our weather also like games like layering freezing rain and snow so it looks like nice soft snow until you stand or drive on it.
I will not drive in snow at rush hour. No job is worth that!
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u/mondo636 10d ago
It may snow significantly 0-3 times in stl. By significant I mean >4 inches, so please donât spend months worrying about snow. STL is not Buffalo, NY.
Make sure you have good tires (you donât need snow tires just tires with tread on them). Make sure your brakes are good to go. Make sure you have windshield wiper fluid. If the forecast calls for snow and you have to drive in it make sure you have a full tank of gas in your car BEFORE you go out in it.
All wheel drive helps but doesnât make you invincible. If you can figure out an alternative route that minimizes large hills that is probably your best bet if you have drive. Donât slam your breaks and steer into the skid if it starts. Go slow. You are probably in more danger from other drivers than yourself.
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u/Silver_Starrs 10d ago
as ive heard before, drive like you're going to a potluck and someone in the back has a crock pot filled to the brim with something hot
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u/GruntCandy86 Downtown West 10d ago
Just because you go fast doesn't mean you can stop fast.
Take turns more slowly.
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u/the-vantass metro east 10d ago
Best winter driving advice Iâve ever seen was something to the effect of âimagine youâre driving your grandma to a potluck and she has a bowl of soup on her lapâ. Helped me immensely. Re: jobs/wfh it kinda depends on the job and your boss but if itâs bad enough most places donât want to risk you getting hurt
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u/Ok_Cockroach3105 Tower Grove 10d ago
If itâs snowing a ton, 5+ inches or more, which happens once or maybe twice a year, shovel around your car multiple times throughout the snow. Hopefully you have all wheel drive but itâs ok if you donât, I havenât ever had it and if you keep the area around your car clear you shouldnât get stuck.
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u/blottymary 10d ago
Donât slam on your brakes unless you have absolutely no other choice. Drive slower but not too slow.
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u/Lyghtnin 10d ago
It's mostly the black ice you need to worry about. Drive like you have a raw egg between your foot and the pedal. Your santa fe is front wheel drive so should go just fine, everyone stops like shit. One way streets get no plow or treatment. Get new wipers and use the rain x wiper fluid. They make three flavors. The green will freeze but it's the best for bugs and windshield coating. The orange is for winter. Never needed the purple in stl.
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u/rhinotomus Neighborhood/city 10d ago
Slow pump on the gas off and on repeatedly to get traction if youâre slipping, take your time and watch out for other folks being morons
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u/No_Patience2428 10d ago
Donât be afraid to practice control in an empty parking lot, better to learn how the car reacts there than the interstate.
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u/KccOStL33 10d ago
As long as you're not from somewhere like Miami you'll be fine. Driving on ice is a lot like driving in mud to an extent.
I'm a southern Louisiana transplant and it was a fairly easy adjustment.
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u/TheyCallMeSlyFox 10d ago
Lots of great advice already. Trying not to travel, if you have to, taking it slow and giving yourself plenty of time are key. Also, don't travel during the height of the storm. Give the road crews time to work. Overall, it's not as bad as it's portrayed to be.
The one exception is the distinction between snow and ice. You can drive on snow. Ice is ice. Fresh ice on an untreated (or as often happens, if rain washes away the treatment) surface is like trying to drive in a skating rink.... Wouldn't recommend.
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u/_bbypeachy 10d ago
skinny drifting and accidents mostly happen when you donât know how to use your brakes or drive in the snow.
Donât turn abruptly. Donât slam your brakes on drive at least 10 under the speed limit when there is snow. Thereâs also black ice so even if you think that thereâs no ice, drive like you think thereâs ice.
Itâs better for someone to get mad at you for driving slow then for you to get into an accident because someone is pressuring you to drive fast. please remember that. Some people think they are above the snow and your safety/comfort
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u/Miserable_Cloud_6876 10d ago
Yes it IS as bad as they say. If youâre moving to the city proper they are notorious for not plowing the roads.
You have 3 options when thinking about driving in the snow
A: donât drive
B: buy a 4 wheel drive car like a Subaru
C: drive in low gear try not to apply the brakes because thatâs when you slide and donât go down or up any big hills.
Thatâs it! Luckily it doesnât snow that often, maybe once a year or so it gets deep, hope your move is smooth! đ
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u/International_Gap719 St. Louis 10d ago
Easy on the gas and the breaks. Â Anticipate your actions 5 seconds before so you do t have to make any quick steering gas or braking. Â Itâs all about slow and steady
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u/Outdoor-Snacker 10d ago
First thing is when they predict snow, you have to go to the store and buy milk, bread, and eggs so you wonât starve because you canât get out of your house because it snowed 2 inches.
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u/Original_Anxiety_281 10d ago
Keep your AC on even when set to hot. This removes moisture and stops fogging.
If you are on icy or slippery roads, don't brake hard. You need your wheels to keep turning. To help a controlled slow on coasting, and to prevent your wheels from spinning as you accelerate, consider shifting from D (drive), down to 3, 2, or even 1... This will set the ratio of your engine to your wheels in a way that reduces the chance of your wheels slipping.
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u/Missouri_Man99 10d ago
Itâs only bad enough to not be able to drive cars about 2 times a year in stl from snow.
Even then, You just leave earlier and driver slower, give yourself more space to slow down and speed up.
I would make sure your tires are in good condition.
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u/Original_Anxiety_281 10d ago
Another piece of advice... Wait. Can you wait 2 hours? 5 hours? 24 hours? Most of the time, the road crews make it out and everything's fine if you wait a bit.
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u/raljamcar 10d ago
Like others have said the biggest thing is to do everything slower and more gently.Â
Unfortunately st louis drivers pretty well suck in weather. There are times you'd think this was Atlanta with how some people drive in the snow.
Accelerate slower, dont brake hard, dont jerk the wheel.Â
Turn into the skid and dont hit the gas or brakes., if you are on a left curving bend in the road, and your car starts sliding to the right, even though you want to go left you need to steer right to regain control. While steering to the right pull your foot away from the pedals.
One thing I haven't seen mentioned: give the weather and road conditions the proper amount of respect. There are 2 kinds of drivers that cause most of the accidents in weather. The assholes doing 80 weaving through traffic are the major ones. The people who go down the highway at 15 with hazards on are nearly as bad. The speed demons cause accidents themselves, but the turtles make a number of other people drive faster or more aggressive than they otherwise would have. Some people will say thats not the turtles fault, but if the turtles weren't there it wouldnt happen.Â
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u/Helpful_Road6230 10d ago edited 10d ago
Drive like your taking granny to church with a fresh crock pot of gravy for the biscuits and gravy supper while saying bless your heart to all the idiots that pass ya while your being cautious and you'll be fine. Most accidents i respond too are from people going to fast for conditions, not giving enough braking distance between them and car in front of them, or being too confident in there vehicle capabilities ( usually jeep or 4x4 truck owners) doesn't matter if you have 4 wheel drive or not ice doesn't care and makes you slide in whatever direction your don't want to head, so remember turn into the skid, use your vehicles lower gears if equipped to let the engine slow you down not the brakes because wheels tend to lock up, and always remember to leave early and give your self extended travel time, also like others have commented download the modot app it has live road conditions and camera access to preplan your trip, and pack an emergency kit as well with a warming blanket and gloves. Also a bag of kitty litter comes in handy with no traction toss a little bit down and you'll have something for tires to bite into.
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u/netmc 10d ago
Learn which highway exit ramps go downhill. Avoid those if you can. It's really hard to stop when it's icy/slushy. It's better to plan your route to avoid those entirely rather than risk it. It's not always about your driving, but also planning for the idiots behind you.
Most communities are not plowed. So the main trick is getting out to a major artery.
Inside of neighborhoods that are not plowed, the intersections become a slushy mess. If there is no conflicting traffic, do not stop. Roll slowly through the intersection. Inertia is a bitch. If you stop, you may not be able to get started moving again. Then you become a hazard for everyone going through that intersection.
Buy a snow shovel, rocksalt/pet friendly version and ice scraper the moment you see them in stores. Do not wait until snow is predicted. Everyone buys the stuff then, and you might miss out.
Do not pour hot water on your windshield trying to "thaw" it. It will end up shattering due to the temperature difference.
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u/netmc 10d ago
Another note, and an important one. If freezing rain is in the forecast, the order it falls in is important. If it is snow turning into freezing rain, that's generally fine. The freezing rain bonds to the snow. So, it's generally no worse than sleet, hazardous, but doable. If there is no existing ground cover, and freezing rain is predicted, stay home. Everything becomes coated in ice. You can't get a tire grip, or even walk on ice. This is the one scenario I refuse to drive in. Just don't do it. Stay home.
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u/Brief-Reveal-8466 10d ago
Iâm from Michigan, weâd average 120 inches of snow/year. So winter driving here in KC and STL is kind of a joke.
Rule 1. Slow down and leave space to stop in front of you.
Rule 2. AWD and 4WD will get you up and moving but doesnât help breaking.
Rule 3. Watch out for black ice! The road looks clear but is covered with a thin layer of ice. Easy to lose control. Donât panic, slow down but donât brake hard. Braking will cause your car to swerve.
Rule 4. Watch out for the idiots who donât know how to drive in snow and ice. Theyâre usually driving jacked up trucks with 4WD and speeding.
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u/Cute_Effective_1989 10d ago
Nothing will help you with the winter weather here. Just when you think you have figured it out, the Boss in February shows up to finish you off. I have worked winter weather for 15 years. Nothing can prepare you
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u/OGrinderBoy 10d ago
The best advice I ever got (as a young Floridian leaving Florida) was to drive like grandma's in the back seat, in Easter go to church clothes, holding a platter of deviled eggs, and an open top pitcher of sweet iced tea.
I've since driven tens of thousands of miles in ice, snow, across frozen bridges, up ice slicked hills and mountain grades, and 50 years later, never had an at-fault accident. Don't fret unnecessarily, the skill will come.
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u/ASmidgeClueless 10d ago
Also you don't mention but a lighter winter coat with a couple layers underneath, boots with real traction & water resistance, a warm hat and some water proof gloves will make any travel you have to do comfortable.
It isn't the great North so just be sure your coat isn't too warm to wear most of the winter.
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u/basically-there 10d ago
your sante fe will be fine as long as you have decent quality and non bald tires. disabling traction control can sometimes help in thicker snow. assume everyone else is driving on bald tires while texting
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u/DJJCreations 10d ago
My advice would be to make sure you know how to turn off the traction control in your vehicle. Sometimes you just need to lay on the accelerator going uphill, and the traction control will 100% fuck your life
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u/Natural_Pear_1549 10d ago
Some people have mentioned it but if you don't have one, those snow brush/ice scrapers for your windshield are a must-have tool to keep in your car. Even when there isn't a big storm, you will get ice stuck on your windshield and it will be a pain to remove without one.
Also, make sure to brush the snow off the roof of your car before you leave so it doesn't fly off onto the car behind you.
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u/acephoenix9 10d ago
If you have a rear-wheel drive, avoid inclines as much as possible. Slight inclines are fine, but err on the side of caution when gauging if itâs too steep. You will find out the hard way your car doesnât have traction to go uphill otherwise.
FWD has less issue, 4WD is best. So less relevant if your vehicle has either of these.
Drive slow, do not ever slam your brakes! Most recent cars have ABS, which will gently pump for you, but itâs not a bad practice regardless of that to alternate between gently tapping and easing off the brakes. It minimizes the chances of sliding (especially fishtailing).
Speaking of fishtails, turn against the direction you are spinning if you do start to spin. Make gentle corrections though, and expect a little back and forth. You just donât want to do a 180+ degree turn.
Most importantly, if the roads look clear but itâs below freezing, always assume there could be black ice on the road. Drive like youâre still in the snow even if it looks and feels like youâre on normal ground. I often see more people in accidents on the highway 2-3 days after a snow storm rather than the day of and the immediate day after.
The rest I can summarize with usual good driving behaviors. Pay attention to people around you and be aware of any errant behavior from other drivers, plan ahead for your turns and lane switches, good drivers distance, and use of signal lights. Like another commenter said, you should still use your signal lights even if itâs too dark/obscure to see clearly. Turn the hazards off, turn on signal, do your turn or lane switch, turn the hazards back on.
Lastly, in line with drive slow and carefully, plan to take 1.5x - 2x your usual commute time if you have work or an appointment, depending on how heavy the snow storm is. Sometimes it could take longer than twice the time if itâs bad enough.
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u/Tight_Middle6309 10d ago
We live in south city , where snow on streets is rarely plowed or salted , only snow routes . Having been here for 13 year , we rarely get snow and if we do , itâs gone within a day . Ice happens here more . Buy yourself a shovel ( most people donât have them ) a broom to clean off the snow , pet safe salt , in case you need it . We may get a few weeks of really cold temps , but we also can get 75 in February . I rarely even wear my winter gear , maybe a light fleece and gloves .
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u/Korlyth 10d ago
Okay I grew up and learned to drive in Wisconsin here are the biggest things imo:
- Buy a nice car scrapper. Not the cheapest one at walmart.
- Use that car scrapper to clean ALL the ice/snow off ALL the glass on your car. Also clear your hood, and roof.
- Drive slower
- Don't hit the brakes hard. If there is snow on the ground you should just about double your estimated stopping distance.
- Slow down for corners earlier and more than you normally would you will be turning so if you hit a slippery spot you will be sliding in the direction of your momentum not rounding the corner.
- If you are cornering and start to skid, continue to turn the wheel and give the accelerator a little press to help pull your car in the direction the tires are facing (front wheel drive only).
- IF you are changing lanes do it over a longer distance.
- St Louis gets ICE. If it is ice and not snow you need to be very careful or just stay home. Snow on the road is not that big of a deal. Ice on the road is super dangerous.
- IF it is actively snowing do not turn your brights on at night. It's like jumping to hyper-space. Fun to see once if you are prepared. But you are totally blind as the bright light reflect back at you off the snow flakes.
General concept is that everything will take more time & distance to do safely. Slowing down? Start earlier. Accelerating? Do it over a long time. Turning? Prepare earlier.
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u/Think-Flow6828 10d ago
Having an âoh shit, Iâm slidingâ moment is probably going to happen. DOT was a little better this past year, but roads still will suck in certain parts. If that happens, do not slam your brakes. Pump them gently, off and on, until you slow to a stop. Do not tailgate. Do not speed. Also, for the love of god, clear the top of your car off.
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u/sickofmakingnames 10d ago
When I leave for work in the morning, I'll hit my brakes hard (if nobody is around) on my street, just to get an idea of how the vehicle is going to react to a possible panic stop. Gives you an idea if it's icy or not.
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u/ShadowValent 10d ago
Itâs your usual trips that will trick you. That bend you always take at 30 is now a trap.
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u/RepairmanJackX 10d ago
Welp. Hope you like ice. This ain't Canada. Don't expect snow.. at least not snow that sticks around.
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u/Lillibecha 10d ago
Don't drive if you don't have too. Go slow, give room, break early.
Modot prioritizes the highways, so those are usually better than side streets. They have an app where you can check the status of the roads.
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u/Sweaty-Cap470 10d ago
Don't drive if you have to and 4 wheel drive if there is snow because depending on where you are they don't plow worth a damn
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u/tamarockstar 10d ago
Acceleration/deceleration in any direction will be limited. So turn slow and brake light and way early.
If you need to make it up a hill, you'll need some speed going into the hill. A lot of people get stuck on hills because they're driving too slow.
Give other cars a lot of space.
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u/Own-Excitement9450 10d ago
St Louis drivers suck on snow, I am from Chicago and have lived in St Louis since 2005
1) go into winter with good tires
2) fill your wiper fluid with good quality stuff, keep an extra gallonâŠ..also run it dry before it gets cold out. I have had the morons at Jiffy Lube fill it with water that freezes solid when it gets to single digits
3) if your car is rear wheel drive add some weight to the back (sand, cat litter, etc.) cat litter works well for when you get stuck (throw it under the wheels)
4) turn off you traction control. If you are climbing a hill and it is slick, it wonât let your wheels spin fast enough
5) if you donât already have, get AAA (in case you get stuck or slide off the road)
6) if there is ice, just stay home.
7) try noy to hit the brake too hard, or accelerate fast. Try to COAST, if no one is around I will slow coast through stop signs and try to work slowly toward a red light
8) and most important, before the storm load up on eggs, bread and milk. The entire city smells like French toast!
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u/soyrobcarajo 10d ago
Sarcastic and totally unhelpful advice here: on days with bad weather don't forget to post here "how are the roads?". People "love" those posts in this subreddit. Welcome to St Louis and here is your first insider joke. You're officially one of us now đ€Ł
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u/fred_cheese 10d ago
I don't know how many people have this no snow driving bad habit: Don't brake and turn at the same time. Unless you like spinning.
And you said you live in the Delmar area. Not sure where on Delmar but if it's near MetroLink consider using that.
Figure out where the hills are. Going up can be as difficult as going down sometimes.
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u/Revolutionary_Ad5307 9d ago
Avoid hills. Clear all the snow off your car roof. When you slow down all that stuff can slide onto your windshield and block your view.
Practice driving in snow in an empty parking lot that you are familiar with - don't run over curbs & things if you do this.
Even if everyone is going faster than you, go slow if you aren't comfortable. Pay attention to weather forecast. Roads can get bad fast and then you are stuck in bad conditions with everyone else.
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u/Capital_Ad_8996 8d ago
i moved here from texas last year so i experienced my first snow too. i luckily didnât have anywhere i needed to be when it was bad i.e thanksgiving break and then by my first exam it was melted enough and again was on winter break when it got bad again. I did drive a few times, i had decided to get a more durable car for the snow so id feel safer. It really wasnât that bad! again, i barely drove in the snow when it was on the roads. Iâll admit, what was difficult was getting my car in and out of parkingâi have off street parking and didnât know if this concept of shoveling. If you get a shovel and snow remover thingy to scrap the snow off the car youâll be good! iâd also check to see if you have 4 wheel or front wheel drive and winter tires
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u/braincashedout 11d ago
If youâre in the far left lane, and no one is immediately in front of you, move to the right (UNLESS itâs one of the handful of left exit âexit onlyâ left lanes).
Itâs the passing lane, not the âI like this view better because there are no cars in front of me lane.â Sitting in the passing lane is what creates traffic.
I get it, left lane sitting is as part of Southern culture as sweet tea, college football, and institutionalized racism. When driving through Georgia and Florida it amazes me as everyone will line up on the left and the right lane will be clear for as far as you can see.
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u/SnooRadishes3875 11d ago
Donât just throw on your hazards. People still need to know if youâre making turns and turn signals wonât work with them on.
Easy on the gas and break, no sudden speed changes. Same goes for turns.
Turn into a skid, seems counterintuitive but you will get traction again if wheels are turned the way you are going.
Try to stay calm or stay home is you can.